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Football London
Football London
Sport
Chris Wheatley

Mikel Arteta explains stance on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after breach before Arsenal vs Spurs

Mikel Arteta insists that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's breach of club protocol has been dealt with after the Arsenal captain was dropped to the bench for Sunday's north London Derby.

Aubameyang was replaced in the team by Alexandre Lacazette after arriving late to Emirates Stadium for the game, with the Gabon striker stuck in traffic on his way to the ground.

Arteta revealed before the match that the decision to leave Aubameyang on the bench was made "after evaluating" everything he had done.

The 31-year-old was an unused substitute as Arsenal beat their arch rivals, but Arteta admitted after the game that he is ready to move on from the minor indiscretion.

"I made what I thought was the right decision," he said.

"We draw a line there. Let's move on again. We know how important Auba is for the club. It's been dealt with and let's move on."

Arteta celebrates victory in the North London Derby with his Arsenal players (JULIAN FINNEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arteta has previously made big decisions regarding first team players including former midfielder Mesut Ozil, whom he left out of the Premier League and Europa League squads for "footballing reasons."

Gunners midfielder Willian had previously been disciplined for a breach of club protocol after taking an unauthorised trip to Dubai during the national lockdown.

The Spaniard reaffirmed after the game that his 'non-negotiables' continue to be at the forefront of the philosophy he wants to build at the club.

"For me the foundations and the platform we can build is something medium and long-term that is sustainable, that can bring us joy and happiness. Without that I don't believe it can happen.

"That's why I keep talking about and acting about it."

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